Wisdom Teeth Headaches

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that develop between the ages of 17-24. Depending on the patient, they may be left alone, but because they are problematic, they are commonly extracted. Impacted wisdom teeth also known as those that reside underneath the gum line can increase a patient’s risk of infection and lead to frequent headaches if left untreated. If your wisdom teeth are still intact and causing you discomfort, it may be time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS.

Before discussing extraction, Dr. Morehart will take X-rays and discuss the process with you in detail. Common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth aside from headaches include throbbing pain in the back of the mouth, swollen gums, and/or swelling around the jaw. The pain will likely get worse as the surrounding teeth become affected. Impacted wisdom teeth can push the teeth around them, forcing them out of place, leaving you in pain.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth extraction, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Frenectomies

A frenectomy is a procedure to remove a frenulum, or muscular attachment between two tissues, from the mouth.  Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS performs frenectomies to correct issues patients have with their gums, teeth, tongue and lips. 

We each have a frenulum between both the upper and lower front teeth.  This connects the gums to the inside of the lips. When this frenulum is short, it can pull at the gum line and cause gum recession.  The frenectomy procedure can be done quickly in the office with local anesthesia.  Once the gums are numb, a scalpel or laser tool is used to remove the frenulum.  This usually takes less than 15 minutes and patients only feel slight discomfort after the procedure.

Another frenulum is located underneath the tongue, and removing this is called a lingual frenectomy.  A very short or thick frenulum underneath the tongue can inhibit breastfeeding, and interrupt speech development.  Lingual frenectomies are performed when a patient is very young, and under general anesthesia.  These patients can heal quickly and continue to develop their speech.

To learn more about frenectomies and all the services we provide, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Sealants for Pediatric Patients

Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth.  At the dental practice of Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, we take great pride in serving the families from our community, and want to see kids get on track for a lifetime of great oral health!  Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS applies sealants for pediatric patients to protect their back teeth during the years many kids experience their first cavity.

Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14.  These teeth have pits and grooves on the chewing surface that trap food and bacteria.  The best time to have a sealant placed is when the molars first come in to make sure they are protected early.  The process of getting a sealant is quick and simple for your child.  The plastic resin is applied to the back molars with a little brush.  This resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface of the tooth, then hardens.  The surface of the molars is now protected from bits of food being stuck, so bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay, and tooth enamel is protected from plaque and acids.  Sealants can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years and can be reapplied of necessary.

To learn more about sealants and all the services we provide, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Bleeding Gums

Gingivitis is one of the most common oral health ailments, but that doesn’t mean people should have to endure it. If you see blood in the sink when you spit out your toothpaste, you’re not alone, but help is available. This week’s blog is devoted to the causes of bleeding gums.

Bacteria are part of a healthy oral ecosystem, but problems occur when they grow out of control. This can happen when there is a lot of food debris in the gum pockets. Bacteria would rapidly multiply, and as they eat, they would produce acid. The acid would stick to the plaque and tartar around the tooth root, irritating the gum tissue it comes in contact with. This causes gingivitis—gum inflammation—which is characterized by redness and bleeding.

Regular brushing can reduce bacterial growth, although it’s important to only use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can bruise the gum tissue, worsening the problem. Pregnant women frequently experience gum bleeding due to hormonal changes, as do people on blood thinner medications. Smoking and dry mouth also create situations in which bacterial growth is more likely. It is especially important for these patients to maintain regular appointments for deep cleanings.

Dr. Dennis Morehart, Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, operates Enid Dental Care at 2411 Heritage Trail, Ste #4, Enid, Oklahoma, 73703. To schedule an appointment, call 580-237-2213 or visit EnidDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.